A CHAMPION rally driver from Cheshire was killed when his car smashed into a tree at 100mph, an inquest heard yesterday.

Roger Freeman, 51, of Runcorn, was co-driver to Mark Lovell, 43, from Somerset when the pair were killed at the Oregon Trials Rally in the USA on July 12 last year.

They had won the British Open Championship in 1986 and the US title in 2001.

Strong sunlight, slippery gravel, and the fact the pair were unable to practise the route caused the Subaru Impreza to hit a tree just 12 seconds after they started the stage, West Somerset Coroner's Court was told.

Mr Lovell died of a head injury and Mr Freeman from a skull and neck fracture.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, West Somerset coroner Michael Rose said a combination of factors had led to the men's deaths. "The thing that concerns me more than any other is the sunlight flickering through the trees," he said.